Anchor Road and End Plate Bolt Connection Tightening

Anchor Road and End Plate Bolt

Connection Tightening Procedures

T-12 Committee Meeting

2015 AASHTO SCOBS Annual Meeting

Michael Garlich, S.E., P.E.

NCHRP 20-07 Problem Statement Submitted to TRB AFF10/AFF10(1) & AASHTO T-12

RESEARCH PROBLEM STATEMENT

•Field inspection identified loose/missing anchor rod nuts & end plate connection bolts

- Recurring installation defect

• Improper installation and overlooked Inspection - Increased stresses in other rods/bolts & in base plate/end plate - Fatigue cracking / failure

•FHWA Guidelines provide installation guidance - No sufficient detail for contractor/inspector with limited knowledge and experience

Problem

Improperly tightened anchor rods and

end plate bolts reduce fatigue life

leading to failure.

Failed Mast Arm

Broken Connection Bolts

Connection Bolt Not Seated Properly

Loose Anchor Rod Nuts

Loose Leveling Nuts

Anchor Bolt Nut Not Seated Properly

Fractured Anchor Rod

From field inspections, not uncommon to

find 15-20% and anchor rod nuts loose,

i.e., turned with fingers or hand wrench

Problem

• Traffic structure installation contractors are not knowledgeable

in proper bolt tightening procedures.

– Electrical contractor

– Miscellaneous metals

How to Achieve Required Pretension

• Proper tightening requires correct equipment and procedure

– “Slugger” wrenches

– Hydraulic wrenches

• HS bolts in blind holes—how tight?

• New Technology

Tightening Anchor Rod Nuts

Tightening Anchor Rod Nuts

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE

• Utilize existing knowledge on anchor rod/end plate connection performance

• Proposed installation guide would give detailed tightening procedures and associated equipment requirements

• Provide “Pocket” type installation manual for tradesmen, supervisors,

inspectors

- Step-by-step procedure

- New installation and existing retightening

Visit us at www.collinsengr.com.

ESTIMATE OF FUNDING AND PERIOD

• $58,000 plus any direct travel expenses for project review meetings (NCHRP 20-07 $100,000 max.)

• 12 months

Questions?